I am running a Sansui 9090 non Db fully restored with a pair of Sansui SP-3200 speakers also restored. I love the sound. The highs and mids are sweet. Of course these speakers are not know for much bass. So was looking to add a bass subwoofer to the mix. I was wondering if y'all had any recommendations for a set like this? It would be nice if the subs were vintage also. I have studied how to hook subs up but the choice of subs eludes me. Thanks for any suggestions.
Looking for a subwoofer for a vintage setup
- Thread starter KiltedCowboy
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RVT1K
Super Member
I use a B.I.C. F12 powered sub and I'm very happy with it. I think it does a great job at the price point.
It can be driven by either low-level signals or speaker-level. I saw the Sansui 9090 has the ability to run three sets of speakers so it would be easy to drive the sub that way.
It can be driven by either low-level signals or speaker-level. I saw the Sansui 9090 has the ability to run three sets of speakers so it would be easy to drive the sub that way.
Powered subwoofers weren’t really a thing until home theater came along in the 90’s. I think you are on the right path but should consider a good working sub from your local thrift stores or local sale lists. Another option is a new one from Parts Express or comparable vendor which typically cost less than $200.
What about unpowered subs? Any good ones to use with this setup or is powered the way to go.
I don’t think passive will get you what you’re looking for. To get them making any serious bass the volume must be turned up to uncomfortable listening levels. A powered sub has its own volume control thus allowing you to dial in the proper bass level that you like.
Seriously, Partsexpress.com SB-1000 or 1200 is what you need. The shipped price is ridiculous and sounds great, will fill in what you need with adjustable freq/gain. Been running them for years, either calm listening or move walls (plate amp seems weak until it isn't, its weird), but for the price you can't beat it.
Mike_S
Well-Known Member
How much do you want to spend? There are a few vintage REL that look awesome! Also the new REL Classic 98/99, look as good as they sound.
Just added a sub to my system, listed to a few vintage subs (M&K came out with the first sub in the 1970's) they all were lacking. Found a very nice M&K in a walnut box with a glass top. Just beautiful. But it put out almost 0 bass. Some of the other vintage subs are "boom boxes" lots of bass, but not good bass.
My original budget was $500, that got me nowhere. Listed to the REL Classic 99 for $1899, that became my new budget. Then listed to a JL Audio sub for $5k, that blew my mind, but not even close on budget. Talked to a friend about it who is into 2ch stuff. He just happened to have a Martin Logan Depth sub for sale, so I got that for a bit over my original budget. It's wonderful! Sounds better then the REL, but doesn't look nearly as good. A good sub will be invisible, really just adds pressure to the room, the music will have much more weight to it. Only on certain songs that hit deep do I know there is a sub.
My suggestion,
Get a sealed box
run your main speakers full bandwidth, adjust the sub to around where you speakers tail off.
You need speaker level inputs, see how you can route them to the sub and speakers, or just to the sub.
Figure out how big the box can be, find the best spot to put it.
Stick to name trusted brands.
There is a classic Velodyne that has it's own DSP, people love that one, but used they are still over $500.
Just added a sub to my system, listed to a few vintage subs (M&K came out with the first sub in the 1970's) they all were lacking. Found a very nice M&K in a walnut box with a glass top. Just beautiful. But it put out almost 0 bass. Some of the other vintage subs are "boom boxes" lots of bass, but not good bass.
My original budget was $500, that got me nowhere. Listed to the REL Classic 99 for $1899, that became my new budget. Then listed to a JL Audio sub for $5k, that blew my mind, but not even close on budget. Talked to a friend about it who is into 2ch stuff. He just happened to have a Martin Logan Depth sub for sale, so I got that for a bit over my original budget. It's wonderful! Sounds better then the REL, but doesn't look nearly as good. A good sub will be invisible, really just adds pressure to the room, the music will have much more weight to it. Only on certain songs that hit deep do I know there is a sub.
My suggestion,
Get a sealed box
run your main speakers full bandwidth, adjust the sub to around where you speakers tail off.
You need speaker level inputs, see how you can route them to the sub and speakers, or just to the sub.
Figure out how big the box can be, find the best spot to put it.
Stick to name trusted brands.
There is a classic Velodyne that has it's own DSP, people love that one, but used they are still over $500.
AmpsOnTheSly
Member
I’ve always been reluctant to spend much on a subwoofer. Late last year I got so sick of all the modes in my room and how I couldn’t get things to settle down and I gave up and ordered an SVS SB-3000. It was expensive (cost as much as my speakers) but the level of control over the subwoofer has been game changing. I’m not listening to the room nearly as much as I was. So much cleaner, and natural sounding.
yoder
Active Member
All good recommendations here. I like vintage speakers and gear, even "vintage" DACs, but subs is one area where newer is generally better. So many to choose from great ones made now and the last 20ish years. I read somewhere buy the best subwoofer you can afford and get 2 of them. If you have room and budget 2 can provide better results and integration. I also like method to run speakers full range and adjust sub where they roll off. It as provided me with great results when I like the speaker sound signature and just want to fill in what's missing. Crossing over at say 80 hz can make the transition more obvious, the less it matches up with your speakers style, the more obvious. I believe my subs are very good, but I don't know about the amp's relatively cheap crossover filter. Seems to muddy up the results for me.
I have a Quadraflex passive sub. It’s not an audiophile sub. It’s a 15 in paper cone in a very substantial sealed cabinet. I’m using it with a speaker selector, so it’s by itself. Has excellent lows, very tight. Running it with different DCM speakers off a Sansui AU 717.
I also have a BSR SW15X2 that I’ll be using with my Sansui 8 with a Crown amp. Neither have an active crossover. Although you can adjust the sound on the Quad. Both would fit in the ”cheap price” categor.
If ever saw another Quad, I’d buy it.
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I was going to say the same thing. I just bought a SUB-1200 from Parts Express a couple of weeks ago for my winter residence. For under $200, free shipping and a 5 year warranty, you can't go wrong. It sounds good too. It filled in the bottom end more than adequately paired with my 25 year old Polk RT55i monitors.
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I added a REL Classic 98 a year ago. Love it.